If I am being honest, I know I rely far too much on my smartphone. It's a crutch, and I would likely be a happier person if I limited my screen time. That said, my reliance on my smartphone pales in comparison to how much most teenagers use their smartphones, iTouches, or other mobile devices. What would happen if teens shut off their devices for several days? Would the experience affect their mindsets? Social interactions? ﻿For better or worse, technology changes the our brains work﻿. What would giving up that technology feel like? The Tech Timeout Technology Academic Challenge confronts that idea by asking students to power-down their devices for a few days, and then reflect on the experience.

Students at San Francisco's Convent & Stuart Hall school tried the challenge and were surprised by what they learned about themselves and their technologies-of-choice. KQED in California reported on the challenge. Many students realized just how addicted they were to their devices, while others had to learn how to interact with friends and family without the aid of smartphones. Learn more here.

Could you give up your phone for three days? Do you think you would struggle if you could not access the Internet or social media several days in a row?